NWU Pioneers Africa’s First Official Artificial Intelligence Policy

By Bertie Jacobs

The North-West University (NWU) in South Africa has become the first African university to adopt an official artificial intelligence (AI) policy.

The NWU Council approved the policy at its most recent meeting, cementing the university’s position as a leader in AI within the higher education sector.

According to Prof. Anné Verhoef, director of the NWU AI Hub, this marks a milestone for the sector and helps shape national conversations about the responsible use of AI in higher education and research.

“Many universities are delaying the creation of an AI policy because of the rapid pace of AI development. While this concern is valid, a policy can be crafted flexibly and broadly that adapts to the swiftly evolving AI landscape. Such a policy is also vital because it provides a framework for the safe and secure management and governance of AI within the university. At the NWU, the need for this framework became clear because our AI strategy focuses on embracing AI in a human-centred, ethical, and responsible way. This approach encompasses teaching and learning, assessments, research, and postgraduate supervision, all of which need to be coordinated, supported, and managed within a clear framework. The framework must also delineate the roles and responsibilities of students, lecturers, researchers, and management. Our AI policy addresses this need, and universities across the world are moving in a similar direction to ensure a human-centred approach to AI,” he explains.

Although many universities remain uncertain about where and how AI should be managed, whether in research, teaching and learning, or administration, the NWU’s AI policy clarifies these roles and establishes an effective governance model.

“Many universities in Africa and globally are encountering challenges in creating a comprehensive and centralised approach to the coordination and management of AI. Initially, the Centre for Teaching and Learning led this work, but by 2025, the need for AI management in the research sector became far more pronounced. Without a harmonised strategy that integrates teaching, learning, research, and management, universities face conflicting approaches that can confuse and disadvantage students and lecturers,” he says.

Prof. Verhoef also notes that the NWU’s AI policy addresses these challenges by clearly defining stakeholder roles and situating AI governance within the IT department, recognizing that AI is fundamentally an IT tool or application.

“The AI Steering Committee, which includes representatives from students, faculty, administration, the library, and the Centre for Teaching and Learning, is responsible for all AI-related matters at the university. This committee reports to the IT Committee, which in turn reports to the University Management Committee. Communication then flows to faculties and Senate as required.”

Before the Council approved the policy, it underwent an extensive consultation process involving faculties, the Senate, and refinement committees. As director of the AI Hub, Prof. Verhoef observed firsthand the key insights and concerns raised during this process and how they shaped the final draft presented to Council.

“The NWU’s AI policy was developed through a comprehensive consultation process that included input from faculties, Senate, and refinement committees. This collaborative approach ensured that the policy addressed a wide range of expectations and challenges from all stakeholders. Notably, many of the concerns raised were philosophical rather than technical. Maintaining a human-centred approach to AI was a major focus, rather than simply identifying which AI tools to use. The policy also emphasised the need to address AI’s significant energy and water consumption and its ecological and environmental impact, highlighting the importance of sustainable AI practices.”

With this policy, the NWU sets a clear national benchmark for responsible, human-centred, and sustainable AI in higher education.